By pgwesleycrds

 

Coach Ty Scroggins' defending state title team of last year is once again loaded with five Division 1 prospects in 2013 and is expecting to compete for it's sixth state championship.Defense is the strength of this year's squad. Louisville Central brings back eight players on one of the top defensive squads in the state.

 

Outside Linebackers Donald Styles and Phillip Francis, as well as Middle Linebacker Derquoine Mobley, and Free Safety Jujuan Hailey will strike fear in opposing offenses . "We expect them to make a lot of tackles, create turnovers, and do things Division 1 prospects are supposed to do. On the offensive side, the Jacket's bring back six returning starters.

 

They are anchored by a strong offensive line which Coach Scroggins calls the "backbone" of the team. Center Terrence Stewart, Right Guard Marvin Smith, and Right Tackle Taylor Austin are all three year starters at their respective positions. They will be blocking for three players who came on the scene in last year's championship run. Junior Quarterback Sydney Tedford came to the forefront of the squad when he hooked up with wide receiver Marcel Malone in overtime in the State Championship game against Belfry. He took over for an injured quarterback in the playoffs and is expected to do great things for this year's team. Senior Wide receiver Marcel Malone will be expected to play a huge role. "He's going to have to take the role of "go to" guy. He will have to make the possession catches that help us move the sticks.", said coach Scroggins. Sophomore Steven Beason also came on the scene last year in the state semis when he rushed for over 180 yards. "We hope to develop a good running game this year. Steven is still young so we will be rotating in and out for him with various running backs this season.

 

The Louisville Central Yellow Jackets just keep reloading. Coach Ty Scroggins has the ability at Central to groom players along during their first couple of years giving them a chance to watch and be mentored by the upper classmen and then come in and have their turn later on in their career. "We just have to keep them humble", says coach Scroggins. "Even if they are Division 1 prospects they still can't play as individuals. I have to keep reminding them that this is team football", he added. Big things are in store at Louisville Central. This should be a really good team.

 

Key players to watch:

C - Terrence Stewart- A 3 year starter and part of the team's backbone.

G - Marvin Smith- Another 3 year starter who works well to drive the offense.

RT - Taylor Austin- a solid blocker who has also been a 3 year starter

QB - Sydney Tedford- He took over for an injured quarterback in the playoffs and is ready to lead the team back to a championship.

WR- Marcel Malone- Tedford's go to receiver this year. He must make the possession catches He is expected to shine this year

RB - Steven Beason- He is the feature back for the Jacket's. He won't be called on to carry the whole load. He will be a part of a rotation

OLB - Donald Styles- A bona fide game changer with his defense. Has several division 1 offers .

MLB -Phillip Francis - Wrecks havoc on the run game.Strikes fear in opposing offenses.

MLB -Derquoine Mobley- He has speed and can be a real impact player.

FS -Jujuan Hailey- a true game changer with his big play ability on defense

I'm anxious to see Central this season. They should be really good. It seems like the last couple of years have seen the gap close a little between Central and the rest of 3A. It's not that Central went down, but rather several teams have made positive strides toward the bar set by Central. Can anyone close that gap completely, or will Central roll on to another title? I'm picking another title until I see otherwise.

I'm anxious to see Central this season. They should be really good. It seems like the last couple of years have seen the gap close a little between Central and the rest of 3A. It's not that Central went down, but rather several teams have made positive strides toward the bar set by Central. Can anyone close that gap completely, or will Central roll on to another title? I'm picking another title until I see otherwise.

 

 

Belfry has the skill to hang with Central.. they have proven that and this year's team will be no exception in that department. With that said, Central's defense has potential to be stupid good... like best defense regardless of class good. Belfry has shown the recipe to beat Central (limit turnovers, force them to throw the ball, go to war in the trenches, and eat clock) .. but actually closing the deal is yet to be proven. Belfry may not have the personnel up front this season to get the job done and compete like the past two years unfortunately.

 

The only team on paper I see who has the experience, the line play, the skill level, and the overall team speed to potentially match what Central is returning is Wayne County. The jury is still out as to how that translates on the field this season though. Everyone else is going to have to push the right buttons and simply improve more than Central over the course of the season to close that gap and have a shot. I am not sure I can see that happening.

Scrimmage this Friday will tell us a lot about this central squad.

Who do they scrimmage AT? Can you add it to our scrimmage thread?